A 65 year old man has been charged with shooting an endangered species and reckless discharge of a firearm in connection with a wounded bald eagle near his home in the area of Van Vleet and Ray roads in Genesee County.

Law enforcement investigation by the DNR lead them to James Allen Nelson who was arrested yesterday in connection with the crime. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton authorized the two misdemeanor counts against him.

Julie Oakes, senior wildlife biologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, who was part of a team that responded on Feb. 14 to the remote rural area after a call requesting help for the injured eagle. The eagle was found near Ray Road in Gaines Township, about 20 miles west of the village of Holly—just a few miles from Seven Lakes State Park and Holly Recreation Area.

The 5-year-old male bald eagle, which was shot in the wing, may have been residing in the Groveland Township and Holly area.